CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Senate has approved a bill that would require high school students to complete a computer science course before graduation.
House Bill 2411, which had already cleared the House of Delegates, passed the Senate on Saturday, March 29, with a 29-4 vote.
However, the bill has not yet completed legislative action, as the House must concur with the Senate’s changes before it can be sent to the governor.
If enacted, the new requirement would take effect for students entering ninth grade in the 2027-2028 school year.
The course would focus on programming, algorithms, and computer science principles but would not cover basic computer applications like word processing or internet use.
Students would be able to take the required course anytime between eighth and twelfth grade.
Additionally, the credit could be used as a substitute for one math credit or a personalized education plan credit.
It would also count as a Career Technical Education (CTE) credit if it aligns with a student’s program of study.
The West Virginia State Board of Education would be responsible for developing rules to implement the requirement, including ensuring high-quality instruction and providing a list of approved courses by August 2026.
The board would also create flexible licensing options for computer science teachers to ensure schools can meet the new mandate.
While the course is intended to be taught in a traditional classroom setting, schools could offer it through blended or online learning if necessary.
However, the bill clarifies that this flexibility should not interfere with the schedules of homeschool or virtual students.
